MCDANIEL JOINS INQUIRY INTO FEDEX WORKER CLASSIFICATION

LITTLE ROCK -- Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced today that he has joined a multistate inquiry into how FedEx classifies its delivery drivers.

Specifically, the Attorney General is seeking to determine whether FedEx misclassified its drivers as independent contractors rather than as employees.

Worker misclassification can cause serious problems for workers, competitors, and the State's economy. When a company misclassifies an employee as an independent contractor, the company avoids its obligation to pay its share of taxes supporting Social Security, Medicare, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance.

Misclassification also allows the employer to avoid paying minimum wages, overtime, health insurance and other employment-related benefits. It is ultimately the taxpaying citizens who pay for misclassification.

"Worker misclassification is a serious issue and has numerous negative consequences. I am committed to addressing this issue with FedEx to ensure our laws are being followed," McDaniel said.

As part of this investigation, McDaniel issued a demand to FedEx requesting information that will allow his office to evaluate whether the company is properly classifying its workers in Arkansas.